If you are planning a trip to Paris, 4 Days in Paris: The Perfect Full Itinerary is exactly what you need. Whether you are a first time visitor or a couple just married and stealing a few dreamy days in the city before heading off on your honeymoon, Paris is the perfect place to begin any adventure. Why take the Metro when Paris is so beautiful and so easy to explore on foot? I skip it as much as possible, because going underground feels like a waste when the streets above are this stunning. Here’s how I’d spend four days seeing as much of the city as possible without missing a thing.

Day 1 of 4 Days in Paris: The Louvre & the Champs-Elysees

I always book the first entry ticket into The Louvre. There will still be people quite literally running to see the Mona Lisa, but it’s far less chaotic than later in the day. I head straight there first, just to get it out of the way, then take my time exploring the rest of the museum. The jewelry collection alone is worth seeking out.

From there, a slow stroll through Jardin des Tuileries is exactly what’s needed. I always end up in one of the green chairs around the fountains, people-watching, one of the great free pleasures of Paris.

At the far end of the park sits Musee de l’Orangerie, a small but extraordinary museum that houses Monet’s Water Lilies. The rooms are immersive in a way that’s hard to describe. The scale of the paintings is breathtaking, and the light in those oval rooms feels almost meditative. I could stay here for hours.

As you exit the museum, you’re met with Place de la Concorde, a massive Egyptian obelisk rising out of a grand roundabout, and if you look straight ahead into the distance, the Arc de Triomphe. I walk the full length of Av. des Champs-Elysees, always stopping at Pont Alexandre III to take in the views of the Seine and the bridge’s stunning gold detailing.

At the end of the avenue sits the Arc de Triomphe. I always recommend going under the roundabout to reach the monument itself, because the view from that side is worth it. And if you have room for a treat, Laduree is just nearby, the perfect spot for a macaron.

After a Break or Lunch

If you still have energy, head toward Place du Trocadero for one of the most iconic views of the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel). For another unforgettable angle, Pont de Bir-Hakeim, recognizable from the film Inception, is gorgeous. Walk a little further to Ile aux Cygnes (Swan Island) on the Seine, near Pont de Grenelle in the 15th arrondissement, and you’ll find a surprising landmark: the original Statue of Liberty.

Tip:  The Louvre alone pairs beautifully with a shopping stop at Samaritaine and a look at the Louis Vuitton headquarters, both just behind the museum. This day is packed and can easily be split across two days. Your 4 days in Paris could be filled with plenty of shopping along side of site seeing.

Day 2 of 4 Days in Paris: Musee d’Orsay & Notre-Dame

I always grab the first ticket into Musee d’Orsay, once a grand train station and now home to one of the world’s great art collections: Van Gogh, Cezanne, Renoir, Degas, and so many more. Don’t miss the top floor, where you can get a stunning silhouette photo through the museum’s enormous clock overlooking the city.

After, I follow the Seine on foot toward Notre-Dame. Along the way you’ll pass the Fountain of Saint-Michel and Sainte-Chapelle, both worth a pause. If Notre-Dame is open to visitors, I’d recommend going inside. The history of its construction and restoration is genuinely fascinating.

From there, I wander into the Latin Quarter. I’d skip lunch here, as it tends toward tourist-trap territory with high prices and underwhelming food. Instead, I head back toward Saint-Germain, or find a little hole-in-the-wall in the quieter neighborhoods around Jardin du Luxembourg, where things get much better.

After a full day on your feet, end the evening with a sunset cruise along the Seine. Companies like Bateaux Mouches and Bateaux Parisiens run regular departures, and the views from the water are unlike anything you get on foot. You’ll drift past Notre-Dame, Pont Alexandre III, and the Eiffel Tower all lit up as the sun goes down. It’s one of those quintessentially Parisian moments that never gets old. This is one of the most romantic ways to enjoy your 4 days in Paris itinerary.

Day 3: Palace of Versailles

If you have a full day to spare, Palace of Versailles is an absolute must. It’s about 30 to 40 minutes outside Paris by train. The easiest route is the RER C regional line, though I’d recommend checking current directions based on where you’re staying in the city.

I give this place a full day, every time. When I’ve visited, guests were welcome to bring a picnic for the grounds, but I’d confirm that’s still the case before packing one. Inside, the palace rooms are extraordinary, but the real joy is renting bikes to explore the gardens. The property is vast, and the bikes make it genuinely fun to see every corner of it.

For dinner back in the city, my absolute favorite restaurant in Paris is Chez Janou. Order the chocolate mousse for dessert. You will not regret it!

Day 4: Montmartre & Sacre-Coeur

I like to save Montmartre for the afternoon and evening. The light is beautiful, and the neighborhood comes alive later in the day. I take a cab up to the hilltop where Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre sits, with its sweeping, unobstructed view of the city below and a cluster of charming little shops and restaurants to explore.

From there, I make my way to Place du Tertre, the famous square where local artists display their work side by side. A word of advice: stick to the square itself. Anyone selling alone on a corner or out of a shop is almost certainly running a scam. The real artists are easy to spot, as their work is all displayed together in the open square, and you won’t miss it.

After Having Dinner Somewhere

Before heading back down, I always stop at 54 Rue Lepic, the building with the famous blue door where Vincent Van Gogh once lived with his brother Theo. Look for the tiny portrait of Van Gogh at the base of the door. It’s a quiet, easy-to-miss moment tucked into an otherwise lively neighborhood.

From there, head on down and see the iconic Moulin Rouge. Even if you are not catching a show, it is worth walking by to see the famous red windmill lit up at night. The whole area has a wonderfully electric energy, and it makes for a perfect end to the day. this is a fun way to end your 4 days in Paris itinerary.

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Having lived in Paris twice, I can tell you this city never gets old. This 4 days in Paris itinerary moves quickly and yes, there is so much more to discover, but every single stop on this list is worth your time. Think of this as your starting point, get out there, explore, wander down streets with no destination in mind, and let Paris surprise you. It always does!

Planning to get married in Paris? I would love to be there for it! Whether you are looking for a photographer to capture your day or someone to show you around the city like a local, inquire here and let’s make it happen. And if you are still in the planning stages, head over to my Paris weddings page for inspiration and everything you need to know about getting married in the most romantic city in the world.